Mayo TD questions goverment's 'compassion' in supporting family
A Mayo TD has raised concerns over what he described as the lack of compassion shown to a family during a time of crisis.
Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Deputy Paul Lawless outlined: "I rise to speak for a mother, Michelle O'Toole, who spent thousands not on luxury, but on love.
"Her daughter Katie was faced with a harrowing surgery abroad where a full removal of the pancreas, spleen and gall bladder had to take place in London because it was not available in Ireland.
"Katie was ultimately forced abroad, and Michelle's only thought was to be by her side at this very difficult time.
"However, no support came from the State in terms of travel or accommodation - no guiding hand. What parent has to bear this alone?
"It is a really difficult situation for a child to be left alone overseas in a hospital bed.
"The government speaks of compassion, but there is really no compassion here with regard to this family who have paid taxes all their lives.
"I have reached out to the Minister for Health and the HSE, and now I am reaching out to the Tánaiste in order to show compassion for this family and families like it who are forced to travel abroad through the travel abroad scheme, which is a good scheme.
"However, I believe that because we are essentially outsourcing this support, it is only right and fair, for major surgeries in particular, support is provided to family members to accompany their loved ones abroad."
In reply, Tánaiste Simon Harris stated: "Absolutely. I thank Deputy Lawless for raising this issue on behalf of Michelle and Katie. I hope the outcome of that very significant surgery has gone well.
"I appreciate the deputy highlighting this issue. I am going from memory and past experiences but, generally, the scheme would try to be compassionate and engaging with regard to supports for family members who may need to travel and so forth.
"If the deputy can send me the details again, I will speak directly to the Minister for Health and see if anything can be done."